A latin phrase meaning "my fault" used mainly by politicians where the action or behavior for which fault is admitted is indefensible and/or inexcusable; the phrase is employed in order to admit fault less bluntly and in a way that is not readily comprehended as such by the general population.

President Clinton eventually abandoned his efforts to explain away or defend his affair with Monica Lewinsky in the White House, and instead, Clinton's attorney issued his Client's "mea culpa" with respect to the affair.